Name: Roshan Lugun

Reg no: 72313709

Subject: Computer Networking
Submitted to: Ms. Shreya Gandhi
Subject Code: 23BTCS24C04
Ques 1>> A company is setting up a multi-story building's local area
network (LAN). Suggest a suitable transmission medium and justify
your choice.

Ans>>Best Choice: Fiber Optic Cable

Justification:

1.​ High Speed & Bandwidth – Fiber optic cables offer speeds up to 10 Gbps or
more, suitable for large data transfers and high-performance networking.
2.​ Longer Distance – Fiber optics can transmit data over hundreds of meters
without significant signal loss, making them ideal for multi-story buildings.
3.​ Immunity to Interference – Unlike copper cables, fiber optics are not affected
by electromagnetic interference (EMI) from elevators, power lines, or other
electronic equipment in the building.
4.​ Security – Fiber optic cables are difficult to tap into, enhancing data security.
5.​ Scalability – Supports future expansion with higher bandwidth demands.

Alternative: Cat6/Cat6a Ethernet Cable

Justification:

1.​ Cost-Effective – More affordable than fiber optics for shorter distances.
2.​ High-Speed Transmission – Cat6 supports up to 1 Gbps (100m), and Cat6a
supports 10 Gbps (up to 55m), which is sufficient for most office networks.
3.​ Easier Installation & Maintenance – Copper cables are simpler to install and
terminate compared to fiber optics.
Ques 2>> Consider a scenario where multiple users need to share a
communication channel efficiently. Which multiplexing technique would be
the best choice and why?

Ans>> Best Choice: Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)

Justification:

1.​ Efficient Use of Bandwidth – TDM allocates time slots to multiple users,
ensuring that the entire channel bandwidth is utilized without interference.
2.​ Better for Digital Communication – Since most modern networks are digital,
TDM works well with systems like telephone networks, optical fiber, and cellular
communication.
3.​ Low Cross-Talk & Interference – Unlike FDM, TDM doesn’t suffer from frequency
interference, making it more reliable for digital data transmission.
4.​ Scalability – It allows easy expansion by increasing the number of time slots or
using techniques like Statistical TDM, which dynamically assigns slots based
on demand.
5.​ Commonly Used in Networks – TDM is widely used in cellular networks
(4G/5G), Ethernet, and optical fiber networks.

Alternative: Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)

Justification:

●​ Ideal for analog signals, such as in radio and TV broadcasting or older

telephone systems.
●​ Not as efficient for digital communication because it requires guard bands to
prevent interference, wasting some bandwidth.
Ques 3>> Describe various transmission impairments that affect data
communication. Suggest methods to minimize these impairments.

Ans>> 1. Attenuation (Signal Loss)

Definition:

●​ The weakening of a signal as it travels over a medium (e.g., copper wires, fiber
optics, wireless).
●​ More prominent in long-distance communication.

Causes:

●​ Resistance in copper cables.

●​ Absorption in fiber optics.
●​ Distance and obstacles in wireless signals.

Mitigation:​
✅ Signal Amplifiers & Repeaters – Boost the signal strength in wired networks.​
✅ Use High-Quality Cables – Fiber optic cables reduce attenuation.​
✅ Shorten Cable Lengths – Reduces signal degradation.

2. Noise (Unwanted Signals & Interference)

Definition:

●​ Any external signal that disrupts the transmitted signal, causing errors.

Types of Noise:

●​ Thermal Noise – Due to random electron movement.

●​ Intermodulation Noise – Caused by overlapping signals.
●​ Crosstalk – Signal leakage from adjacent cables.
●​ Impulse Noise – Sudden spikes from electrical equipment.
Mitigation:​
✅ Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) or Fiber Optics – Reduces external interference.​
✅ Error Detection & Correction (ECC) – Techniques like parity bits, checksums, and
forward error correction (FEC) help detect and fix errors.​
✅ Use Proper Grounding & Cable Management – Prevents electromagnetic
interference (EMI).

3. Delay Distortion

Definition:

●​ Occurs in guided media (e.g., copper cables, fiber optics) when different
frequencies travel at different speeds, causing distortion.

Mitigation:​
✅ Equalizers – Adjusts signal frequencies to compensate for delay.​
✅ Use Fiber Optics – Minimizes delay issues compared to copper cables.

4. Jitter (Variations in Packet Delay)

Definition:

●​ Uneven arrival of packets in real-time communication (VoIP, video streaming,

gaming).
●​ Caused by network congestion, improper routing, or clock synchronization
issues.

Mitigation:​
✅ Use Jitter Buffers – Temporarily store packets and smooth variations.​
✅ Prioritize Real-Time Traffic – Implement Quality of Service (QoS) to reduce jitter in
time-sensitive applications.​
✅ Use Faster & Reliable Network Infrastructure – Fiber optics and high-speed
networks help reduce jitter.
5. Echo

Definition:

●​ A reflected copy of the transmitted signal heard in telephony or voice

communication.

Mitigation:​
✅ Echo Cancellation Techniques – Used in digital voice processing.​
✅ Use High-Quality Headsets & Noise-Canceling Microphones.

Ques 4>> Explain different types of wired transmission channels with

their advantages and limitations.

Ans>> 1. Twisted Pair Cable

Description:

●​ Consists of two insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce

electromagnetic interference.
●​ Commonly used in LANs, telephone lines, and Ethernet networks.
●​ Two types:
○​ Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) – No shielding, lower cost.
○​ Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) – Has shielding for better protection from
interference.

Advantages:

✅ Cost-Effective – Affordable and easy to install.​

✅ Flexible & Lightweight – Easier to handle than coaxial or fiber optic cables.​
✅ Supports High Data Rates (Up to 10 Gbps with Cat6a and above).
Limitations:
❌ Limited Distance – High attenuation over long distances (typically 100m per
segment).​
❌ Susceptible to Interference – UTP cables are more vulnerable to electromagnetic
interference (EMI).​
❌ Lower Bandwidth – Compared to fiber optics.

2. Coaxial Cable

Description:

●​ Contains a central conductor (copper), an insulating layer, a shielding layer,

and an outer insulating cover.
●​ Used in cable TV, broadband internet, and older LANs.

Advantages:

✅ Higher Bandwidth than Twisted Pair – Can carry more data over longer distances.​
✅ Better Shielding – Less interference from external signals.​
✅ Supports High-Speed Data Transmission – Used in cable internet (DOCSIS
technology).

Limitations:

❌ Expensive & Less Flexible – More difficult to install and manage compared to
twisted pair cables.​
❌ Limited Scalability – Not widely used for modern networks due to better
alternatives (fiber optics).

3. Fiber Optic Cable

Description:

●​ Uses light signals instead of electrical signals for data transmission.

 ●​ Made of glass or plastic fibers and available in two types:
○​ Single-mode Fiber (SMF): For long-distance, high-speed
communication.
○​ Multi-mode Fiber (MMF): For short-distance, high-speed
communication.

Advantages:

✅ Extremely High Speed & Bandwidth – Can support Tbps data rates.​
✅ Low Attenuation – Can transmit data over hundreds of kilometers without signal
loss.​
✅ Immune to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) – Ideal for industrial and
high-security applications.​
✅ Highly Secure – Difficult to tap into compared to copper cables.
Limitations:

❌ Expensive – Higher initial cost compared to twisted pair and coaxial cables.​
❌ Fragile & Complex Installation – Requires specialized equipment and expertise for
splicing and termination.

Ques 5>>Compare telephone lines, leased lines, and switched lines in

terms of speed, cost, and reliability.

Ans>>

Comparison of Telephone Lines, Leased Lines, and Switched Lines

 Feature Telephone Line Leased Line Switched Line
(Dial-up) (Circuit-Switched)

Speed Very Slow (56 Kbps High Speed (1 Moderate Speed

max for dial-up) Mbps to 10 Gbps) (Depends on network
type, typically up to 64
Kbps for ISDN)

Cost Low (Pay per use) High (Fixed Medium (Charged per
monthly cost) connection duration)

Reliability Low (Prone to Very High Moderate (Depends on

disconnections, noisy) (Dedicated, availability and
always-on congestion)
connection)

Connection Dial-up connection Dedicated On-demand

Type through PSTN (Public connection connection set up when
Switched Telephone between two needed
Network) points

Usage Basic internet access, Business ISDN, older voice & data
voice calls networks, communication
banking, VoIP,
VPNs
 Interference High Interference, low Secure and Moderate security,
& Security security interference-free shared lines

Setup & Easy to set up (uses Complex & Moderate complexity

Maintenance existing phone lines) expensive
(requires special
cabling)

Ques 6>> What are baseband and broadband transmission

techniques? How do they differ?

Ans>>

1. Baseband Transmission

Definition:

●​ In baseband transmission, the entire bandwidth of the channel is used to

transmit one signal at a time.
●​ The signal is sent as digital pulses (binary: 0s and 1s) without modulation.
●​ Commonly used in Ethernet networks, LANs, and serial communication.

Characteristics:

✅ Uses digital signals (e.g., NRZ, Manchester encoding).​

✅ Supports bidirectional communication (half-duplex or full-duplex).​
✅ Works over short distances (e.g., within a building).​
✅ Requires repeaters for long-distance transmission.
Examples:

●​ Ethernet (LANs) – Uses baseband transmission over twisted-pair cables (e.g.,

Cat5e, Cat6).
●​ USB Communication – Baseband is used in serial data transfer.

2. Broadband Transmission

Definition:

●​ In broadband transmission, the channel is divided into multiple frequency

bands, allowing multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously.
●​ Uses analog modulation (e.g., AM, FM, QAM) to carry data over different
frequency ranges.
●​ Commonly used in cable TV, DSL, and fiber-optic networks.

Characteristics:

✅ Uses analog signals with modulation (e.g., Frequency Division Multiplexing - FDM).​
✅ Supports multiple simultaneous transmissions.​
✅ Works over long distances without degradation.​
✅ Requires modems for signal conversion.
Examples:

●​ Cable TV & Internet (DOCSIS technology) – Uses broadband over coaxial

cables.
●​ DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – Uses broadband over telephone lines.
●​ Fiber Optic Networks – Utilizes broadband techniques for high-speed internet.

Differences Between Baseband and Broadband

 Feature Baseband Transmission Broadband Transmission

Signal Type Digital (binary pulses) Analog (modulated signals)

Bandwidth Entire bandwidth for a single Multiple signals share

Usage signal bandwidth

Direction Bidirectional (half/full-duplex) Usually unidirectional per

channel

Multiplexing No multiplexing Uses **F

Ques 7>> Differentiate between parallel and serial transmission

Ans>>

1. Parallel Transmission

Definition:

●​ Multiple bits are transmitted simultaneously using multiple channels (wires or

lanes).
●​ Typically used for short-distance data transfer.

Characteristics:
✅ Fast Data Transfer – Multiple bits sent at once increase speed.​
✅ Requires Multiple Wires – One wire per bit (e.g., an 8-bit data bus needs 8 wires).​
✅ Prone to Signal Degradation & Crosstalk – Especially over long distances.
Examples:

●​ Computer Buses (PCI, RAM, IDE cables)

●​ Printers (Older parallel ports, like Centronics port)
●​ Internal Data Transfers (Within processors & memory units)

2. Serial Transmission

Definition:

●​ Data is transmitted one bit at a time over a single channel (wire or fiber).
●​ Used for long-distance communication.

Characteristics:

✅ More Reliable Over Long Distances – Less interference and signal degradation.​
✅ Requires Fewer Wires – Reduces cost and complexity.​
✅ Slower than Parallel for Short Distances – Since bits are sent one by one.
Examples:

●​ USB (Universal Serial Bus)

●​ Ethernet (Networking cables, Fiber Optics)
●​ Serial Ports (RS-232, SPI, I²C, UART)
Ques 8>> Explain synchronous and asynchronous communication
with an example.

Ans>>

1. Synchronous Communication

Definition:

●​ Data is transmitted in a continuous, synchronized manner using a shared

clock signal between sender and receiver.
●​ Blocks of data (frames) are sent at regular intervals without start and stop
bits.

Characteristics:

✅ Faster & More Efficient – No need for extra bits like start/stop bits.​
✅ Uses a Clock Signal – Ensures synchronized data transfer.​
✅ Better for Large Data Transfers – Used in high-speed networks.
Example:

📌 Ethernet (Wired Networks) – Data is sent continuously in frames, synchronized by

network clocks.

2. Asynchronous Communication

Definition:

●​ Data is transmitted one byte at a time, with start and stop bits to mark the
beginning and end of transmission.
●​ No shared clock, so timing can be irregular.

Characteristics:
✅ Simple & Cost-Effective – No need for clock synchronization.​
✅ Flexible Transmission – Can send data at any time.​
✅ Slower than Synchronous – Start/stop bits add overhead.
Example:

📌 Serial Communication (RS-232, UART, USB) – Keyboards and older serial ports
send characters asynchronously, adding start/stop bits to each byte.